Today marks the one-year anniversary of MangaBlog. In the short time that I’ve been blogging, I’ve found a whole new world, “met” some delightful people online, and learned a lot, not just about manga but also about other comics, comics stores, Bookscan and Booklist (Thanks, David!) and Japanese pop culture in general.
I hope I have been able to add to the dialogue in some useful way. Because my kids are the target market for a lot of manga, I have tried to reflect their views as well as my own in this blog. I also see, and sift through, all the marketing that comes at them, which adds some perspective.
Blogging has given me a focus and forced me to write frequently, which is always good for a writer, and it has also given me a secret identity. Since I’m basically a soccer mom and part-time (serious) writer, the people I meet in everyday life are almost always startled to hear that I blog about comics—Japanese comics, at that. It’s fun to shake up their preconceptions a bit.
Anyway, it’s been a great year. You guys are fun to hang out with, and whether I’m lurking or joining in, it’s always interesting to follow your discussions. I’m enjoying myself immensely and looking forward to getting even more involved in the future.
Congratulations! Here’s to many more.
Congratulations. ^.^
I’ve loved everything you’ve wrote so far because your perspective is so unique and interesting to me, plus your love of manga, comics and Japanese pop culture as a whole is obvious.
Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us in the coming year.
You’re a wonderful addition to the blogosphere. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations! It’s been a great year for Manga Blog, I’m looking forward to seeing the next year.
You’ve had a great first year!